Tuesday, January 31, 2012

A casual social gathering for individuals with intolerance to wheat/gluten & for both new and seasoned Celiacs. A great opportunity to enjoy a beverage, some snacks and to share your thoughts, joys and challenges of the gluten-free life. Individuals interested in adopting the wheat and gluten-free lifestyle are also welcome! The Gluten Intolerance Support Group is dedicated to providing support, information and assistance.

Sunday, January 29, 2012

The cloudy winter sky and rainy weather didn't put a damper on the Vancouver gluten-free community. Over 3,000 Vancouverites attended the 1st Gluten-Free Expo on Sunday January 22nd and I was one of them. I arrived at 11:30 a.m. to find a throng of people lined up inside the entrance of the Croatian Cultural Centre, but spirits were definitely up. I could sense the excitement as everyone held onto their donations for the Vancouver Food Bank. The line advanced fairly quickly and smoothly and more than 1,400 pounds were collected and over $1300 in cash.

I attended both information sessions - "Understanding the Wheat/Gluten Free Diet" and "Tips for Eating Out & Staying Gluten Free" presented by Ellen from The Celiac Scene. Whether you are new to gluten-free living or new in town, you will find the information provided at The Celiac Scene website most valuable. It was a pleasure meeting Lynda and l look forward to keeping in touch with everyone.

I made my way to the product displays, an opportune time to find some of my all-time favourites and sample some New gluten-free products.

The wheat and nut-free crackers from Martin's Marvelous Naturals were a definite hit and crowd pleaser. The flavoury rosemary lavender crisps are incredibly tasty and addictive! Other flavours included date & olive tapenade and pumpkin seed & cranberry which are equally delicious. No one will believe that these fancy gourmet style crackers are GF. Attendees also received a beautiful super-sized reusable tote bag with purchase. I've been taking my tote bag to work everyday and its been getting a lot of attention ~smile~ Martin's Marvelous Naturals was the Gold Sponsor of the Expo.

Kinnikinnick just released their new breads this month. Congratulations! Samples included: Miniature "tea party" style jam sandwiches on their new soft white and multigrain breads. They do have a perfectly soft moist texture Scrumptious! Can GF bread taste this good? Yes it can! "Gluten-free has never tasted so good" This company also makes two Yeast-free breads; multi-grain and tapioca for those who need to AVOID yeast. Other samples included a wide variety of goodies.

Glutino had samples of "Genius" their delightfully fluffy soft sandwich bread. A nicely pre-cut normal sized loaf that can easily be passed off as regular bread and no one would know, even a genius. It really does "cut the mustard"

Kootenay Kitchen samples included their certified vegan, wheat, gluten, dairy and soy free vege pate. They have three flavours all made with 84% certified organic ingredients. : herb, curry and jalapeno. This product got "two thumbs up from people I chatted with at the Expo. I have to agree, "c'est delicieux" Winner of the BC organic Harvest Award for Best processed product (vegetarian) Terrific party food!

﻿O'Doughs Title sponsor at the Expo launched their 3 varieties of GF muffins. Wild Blueberry, Banana Chocolate Chip & Double Chocolate. They are unbelievable moist and taste like homemade goodness. This product was selling quickly but I managed to get my hands on the Wild Blueberry (nobody got hurt) Other samples included their Flax pizza kit also a Winner!

Several vendors were pleasantly surprised with the remarkable attendance and had sold out of products by early afternoon. Evidence that gluten-free truly is outstanding!

Silver Hills Bakery also launched two new GF breads (BRAVO!) but SOLD OUT before noon! Our family loves the new Chi, chi, Chia bread. A healthy and tasty choice.

I was ecstatic to see Delight Gluten-Free Magazine! at the Expo. I took advantage of the show special offer and also received a complementary copy. Delight Magazine is filled with glossy photography, delicious gluten-free recipes and inspiring articles. I can't wait for my magazine to arrive in March! It was great meeting everyone! Keep up the great work.

I enjoyed the face to face contact and getting acquainted with everyone including the vendors and gluten-free manufacturers.

I'd like to extend a warm heartfelt thank you to everyone who made this event possible. To all the exhibitors and sponsors thank you for making gluten-free living a joyous, tasty experience. A warm embrace and much gratitude to Margaret Dron, your dedication time and energy has not gone unnoticed.

I have no doubt that the Vancouver Gluten Free Expo will become a large annual event! Better things are yet to come!

"For almost a decade, Elisabeth Hasselbeck couldn’t figure out what was making her so sick. She consulted doctors and nutritionists—no one had any answers. But while starving in the Australian Outback on the TV show Survivor, her symptoms vanished. It was clear that something in her diet back home had been severely damaging her body—but what?"

Whether you're just getting started or you've been on a pathway to wellness for years...

MAKE 2012 THE HEALTHIEST YEAR EVER!

Wash away the old.....

Starting a new exercise program?

Lacking energy & vitality?

Tired of being sick and tired?

Starting a new weight loss plan?

Experiencing digestive distress?

Training for a competition, race?

Suffering from allergies?

Having a difficult time overcoming a cold?

Experiencing recurring headaches

Why Detoxify?

The rise in toxic substances is alarming and here are some facts:

2100 Chemical, including pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, PCB's and medications including recreational drugs are in our water supply.

Over 80% of foods have genetically modified ingredients

80,000 metric tons of carcinogens are released into the air annually in North America.

It is inevitable, our bodies are assaulted daily from environmental toxins such as: food additives, pesticides and hormones found in our food supply, household chemicals, medication and contaminants in our water supply and industrial pollutants. Internal toxins consist of waste products created by normal metabolic processes within the body.

Some chemicals remain inside our body for a short period of time before they are naturally disposed through the body's own detoxification process. Yet continuous exposure to chemicals leaves more than a just a residual trace in our system. When the body can no longer detoxify on its own our internal organs become compromised resulting in detrimental outcome - Disease.

How To Detoxify:

To achieve optimal cleansing results we need to nourish and support all of our channels of elimination. The body has seven channels of elimination: the blood and lymphatic system and five organs - liver, colon, kidneys, lungs and skin.

Toxic Build-Up Can Impact:(not all systems are listed)

Digestive System

Gas/flatulence

Constipation

Diarrhea

Bloating

Abdominal pain

Candida

Parasites

Bad Breath

Body Odor

Irritable bowel syndrome

Gastrointestinal System (Liver)

Fatigue

PMS & hormonal imbalances

Headaches

Fibromyalgia

Muscle & joint pain

Anger & mood swings

Skin disorders

High cholesterol

Dermal System (Skin)

Rashes

Acne

Eczema

Hives

Dark Circle under eyes

Extremely dry or oily skin

Immune Health

Allergies

Frequent colds/flu

Fatigue

Cancer

Urinary System (Kidney)

Kidney stones

Fluid retention

Dark colored urine

Respiratory System (Lungs)

Chronic cough & sneezing

Sinus Infections

Congestion

Shallow breathing

An effective detoxification program is best accomplished through:

A lifestyle change, a nutritious cleansing and healing diet, premium quality herbal supplements to support and enhance your body's ability to detoxify and most importantly colonic treatments.

Colon hydrotherapy is an advanced and extensive method of colon cleansing. It accelerates your body’s expulsion of toxins and old stagnant waste allowing a deeper level of cleansing to occur. Individuals achieve powerful lasting results with a comprehensive detox program. Other therapies may be incorporated for added benefits.

Whether your want to reclaim your health by reducing your toxic burden or you've decided to embark on a detoxification program for the very first time, detoxification through targeted nutrition is a safe and effective approach to optimizing and restoring liver function for overall health.This is also an opportune time to adopt some healthy lifestyle changes such as: healthier eating habits and start a new exercise program.

Regular internal cleansing and detoxification is essential for those who want to achieve digestive and radiant health.

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Have you marked your calender? The excitement is building for all the Gluten Free Community. January 22nd marks a very special day in Vancouver - It's the Gluten Free Expo!

Some Of The Exhibitors Include:

The Celiac Scene

Kettle Cuisine

Holy Crap

Udi's

Panne Rizo

Grimms

Martin Marvelous Naturals

North Of 49 Naturals

Quejos

Cuisine Sante International

Cuisine Soleil

Kinnikinnick

Glutino

The Gluten Epicurean

With information sessions, product and service displays and more, this is the perfect opportunity to plan your healthier lifestyle. Sample new gluten-free and door prizes! Register today for a chance to win

Entrance to the Expo is by donation to the Vancouver food bank (Ideally Gluten Free)

Ready to sport a new attitude? Shift gears, change lanes and get on the passageway to optimum health! Don't allow the difficulties and failures from the past hinder your from accelerating and setting the pace for 2012!

"Sometimes we are like a Ferrari operating on only two cylinders with clogged filters, but managing to still be in the race. Our complex digestive and elimination systems are more important and should never be compromised."

"Would you ever drive a vehicle for a full year without changing the oil and oil filter? What if I told you that the odds are that this is exactly what you have been doing to your body! Would you be surprised? Have you ever thought about it?"

Same Principles Apply To The Human Body: The interior of our body also needs assistance (or maintenance) in keeping clean.

The human body can only remove a certain amount of toxins on its own. The Greek word toxikon, which literally translates into "poison" is used to describe that which is foreign to the body. Our body naturally tries to eliminate these foreign substances but overexposure will slow down and damage our body's systems, including the capacity to detoxify on its own. When the human body becomes over-burdened it will give us warning signals in the form of symptoms.So, what signals has your body been sending you lately?

Feeling fatigued and lacking energy? These are the most common complaints I hear everyday. Many individuals are living with numerous symptoms but they simply choose to ignore them or embrace them as part of the aging process. Toxicity is not the sole reason for all occurring symptoms but is often a major contributing factor.

The digestive tract is a major player in the body's detoxification process. It is where food is converted into energy and toxins are processed for elimination. When the colon is not functioning properly, toxic material may be absorbed into the bloodstream leading to an array of health problems and life-threatening conditions can develop.

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

"Everyday is a new beginning. Treat it that way. Stay away from what might have been, & look at what can be."

Today is a new day, you have never lived this day before nor will you live it again. So what can you do to keep unfulfilled expectations from plaguing you? Expectations, even the seemingly insignificant ones can lead to problems when they are continually unfulfilled. Have you erected unrealistic images and goals that have become your inner focus? Our propensity is to hold on tightly to our past failures and disappointments leaving us deflated and immobilized. 20ll is gone so let it go! Don't dwell on the past but keep persevering and continually move forward. Be resolute in your heart and in 2012.

Taking Steps:

Be realistic and specific - setting specific goals are the most motivating and attainable. Do something today to demonstrate your commitment. Start by writing it down. Which takes us to our next step.

Keep a journal - journaling will help you keep track of your successes, gain perspective and help keep you accountable.

Be confident -A confident individual recovers from setbacks, disappointments & past failures.Exude confidence, what is your body language saying? Be aware of your attitude, posture & facial expression. So chin up, shoulders back and enjoy what life has to offer.

Be positive - Confidence and negativity do not go together. They are like oil and water; they simply do not mix." Joyce Meyer Cultivate a positive attitude and ease in your life. It may be difficult at first but letting go of negative thoughts, fears and emotions is so liberating. Be mindful and recognize your internal dialogue and thought patterns. Being positive or negative is a choice.

"People who soar are those who refuse to sit back, sigh and wish things would change. They neither complain of their lot nor passively dream of some distant ship coming in. Rather, they visualize in their minds that they are not quitters; they will not allow life's circumstances to push them down and hold them under. - Charles R. Swindoll

Embrace change, find freedom and remember that life is a journey and not a destination -a process not a product.

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Chronic inflammatory diseases are a common day epidemic. In the past few years there have been studies suggesting that chronic inflammation lies at the root of a wide range of conditions and can lead to a host of diseases. Some include the following:

Alzheimer's

Asthma

Atherosclerosis

Crohn's

Osteoporosis/Osteoarthritis

Autoimmune Disease - rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis

Immune disorders

Cancer

Colitis

Diverticulitis

Ulcerative Colitis

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Parkinson's

I knew I definitely had to add this REMARKABLE comprehensive healing manual to my library after reading it. I can confidently guarantee you that it won't be sitting on a shelf. I will probably have it attached to my hip like a utility belt.

Whether you are one of the millions that has been affected by arthritis, allergies, heart disease, diabetes or other inflammatory condition or on a journey towards vibrant health; you will thoroughly enjoy the natural approaches to inflammation and appreciate the wealth of knowledge from Julie Daniluk's book.

It includes: menu plans, colorful photo's of recipes, anti-inflammatory food pyramid chart, quizzes, glycemic index chart and SO much more. One of my favorite features in the book is the legend for the recipes which includes symbols for the following:

Free of eggs and egg products

Free of soy and its derivatives

Free of dairy and its derivatives.

Free of tree nuts

Free of gluten

Recipe is RAW

Recipe has a GI (Glycemic Index) score of 55 or less

You will probably want to pick up a few copies of Meals That Heal Inflammation for friends and family as well. It will make a lovely gift of health!

Welcome

About Me

Hi there, I am so delighted you made it here. My name is Elizabeth Mazzei an avid health,nutrition and fitness enthusiast! I'm a National Board Certified Colon Hydrotherapist & Certified Natural Health Practitioner. Join me as I blog about a holistic approach to health & wellness. Embrace life, it's a gift.